Two Crew Members in Cockpit at All Times For Canadian Airlines

Following the tragedy of Germanwings flight 9525 on Tuesday, Canada has taken proactive measures to ensure a similar incident does not occur on Canadian airlines.

In a statement released by Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt on Thursday, she called for new safety protocol to be enforced on Canadian airlines.

“In light of reports this morning, I will be issuing an interim order which would require two crew members be in the flight deck at all times to ensure the security of Canadian passengers,” said Raitt.

In addition, Raitt has asked for an official review of airline policies and procedures.

“I have asked my officials to review all policies and procedures that may be applicable to ensure the safety and security of the travelling public,” added Raitt.

AirCanada has confirmed that they are implementing a policy change without delay, ensuring that all flights have two people in the cockpit at all times.

The Canadian Transport Ministry is following the situation in Europe closely and send their thoughts to those affected by this tragedy.

“Our hearts go out to all those who lost a family member or a friend in this terrible tragedy,” said Raitt.

Photo credit: Germanwings.

As of now, it is believed that co-pilot Andreas Lubitz intentionally crashed Germanwings flight 9525. New information came to light after the black box cockpit recorder was retrieved. It is said that after one pilot left the cockpit, the co-pilot locked the door from the inside.

The black box recorded the pilot banging on the door as he tried to get back into the cockpit. In the final minutes of the crash, screaming can be heard.

The co-pilot’s breathing was said to be normal. Lubitz was identified as a German national.

The plane crash killed all 150 people on board. The investigation has now been turned over to German authorities.